Employment at SPI
Job Title: Program Manager (PT)
Overview: SPI (pronounced "spy") presents opportunities for family engagement and play-based learning through the lenses of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math). Inside our drop-in community center we create invitations for “Discovery Play” primarily appealing to ages 3-11. The staff member in the role of program manager will work with our executive director (and consider other co-worker input) to develop engaging activities for use inside our drop-in play space, then serve as the key team member responsible for successful implementation of these.
They will also contribute to the design - and support the direct implementation - of our annual outdoor summer enrichment programming for rising 1st through 6th graders (and/or other periodic enrichment workshops offered during the school year).
This team member will periodically devise activities that SPI can use in outreach settings (festivals, community events, other venues as requested as as staffing allows).
Each of the above functions - related to Discovery Play inside SPI Spot, enrichment programming, and outreach activity - are weighted and prioritized differently at different times of year in accordance with SPI’s usual calendar and evolving vision.
Responsibilities:
Qualifications:
Any combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job described above. A successful candidate will be creative, collaborative, flexible, and organized.
This position would be appropriate for someone who has previously worked in other informal learning/out-of-school-time environments (children’s museums, science centers, summer camps, after school programs). Or professionals with applicable formal classroom instruction credentials and experience who are able to translate these to a recreational setting which attracts a variety of kids in a wide range of ages.
Candidates must be mobile (independently or with their own assistive technology) inside our community space for extended periods of time; they need when called upon to be able to maneuver in outdoor park settings (on grass, on inclined trails, and near bodies of water). This candidate must be able to organize, lift, and tote supplies, including up and down stairs (there is no elevator access to our basement).
Must have a driver's license and access to their own vehicle.
Schedule:
The team member in this role can expect to regularly work a predetermined number of hours ranging from 20 to 30 hours per week (dependent on applicant needs/abilities and as determined during hiring discussions). This can be a combination of off-site and on-site hours, depending on the nature of the priority assignment, the time of year, and the need for them to engage directly with guests and/or other staff or volunteers.
In acutely busy periods (i.e. the week before the launch of camp registration, the first week of the summer camp season, or in prep for a special event), this staff member may be asked to flex their schedule to take on additional hours; however, they can offset these hours in subsequent weeks by working a reduced schedule.
Job share is negotiable if there are two qualified candidates who can adequately divide duties.
Compensation and benefits:
Depending on the staff member’s agreed-to regular schedule (i.e. a 20 or 30 hour work week), annual pay for this position will range from $20,800 - $31,200 (in equivalent annual gross wages, paid out bi-weekly on an hourly basis for hours documented on timesheets submitted each pay period).
As a benefit, all SPI employees receive pay for 5 paid holidays each year and enjoy some additional (unpaid) holiday time off. Employees receive an annual membership to SPI, which is also applicable to free/reduced admission at other ASTC organizations nationwide. They receive priority enrollment (for their children/grandchildren) in SPI programs requiring pre-registration and an employee discount on these.
Our staff enjoys flexibility, a collegial environment with compassionate managers, the pleasure of engaging with children and families at play together, and the satisfaction of helping to address community needs.
Know before you apply:
SPI staff are expected, per board policy, to be up to date on standard vaccines including against COVID-19. This is in alignment with CDC recommendations and our organizational values, and also because it is a detriment to SPI operations to employ staff who are at increased risk of absence and/or serious illness from preventable, communicable disease. Individuals who choose on principle not to vaccinate against COVID-19 or who are unwilling to mask indoors as a public health measure (during times of known community known risk/spread of infectious illness) should not apply. Those who have opted out of vaccination and/or masking for other reasons approved by our board may apply if prepared to document their reasoning.
How to apply:
Submit your resume and a cover letter to Stephanie Calondis Geiger (our executive director) and Jane Hildebrand (our office manager) by email to Stephanie[at])spi-mountvernon.org AND JaneHSpispot[at]gmail.com. The cover letter should describe what appeals to you about the position and address your applicable work and personal experience.
Overview: SPI (pronounced "spy") presents opportunities for family engagement and play-based learning through the lenses of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math). Inside our drop-in community center we create invitations for “Discovery Play” primarily appealing to ages 3-11. The staff member in the role of program manager will work with our executive director (and consider other co-worker input) to develop engaging activities for use inside our drop-in play space, then serve as the key team member responsible for successful implementation of these.
They will also contribute to the design - and support the direct implementation - of our annual outdoor summer enrichment programming for rising 1st through 6th graders (and/or other periodic enrichment workshops offered during the school year).
This team member will periodically devise activities that SPI can use in outreach settings (festivals, community events, other venues as requested as as staffing allows).
Each of the above functions - related to Discovery Play inside SPI Spot, enrichment programming, and outreach activity - are weighted and prioritized differently at different times of year in accordance with SPI’s usual calendar and evolving vision.
Responsibilities:
- Help devise and set up inside SPI Spot themed table top activities/stations for self-guided play;
- Directly present or enable others to present short “pop up” demonstrations which engage families in further exploration of a themed concept;
- Design compelling prompts, instructions and arrangement of materials to invite family engagement;
- Assist in the conceptualization and development of annual summer camp offerings (Feb - May);
- Monitor and troubleshoot summer camp operations (June-July) by providing support to camp instructors or partner venues as needed.*
- Ensure that all necessary materials for table top activities and/or camps are stocked, in budget, and at the right venue(s) when needed - AND are put away when no longer needed;
- Help plan and facilitate additional programming for various community events/festivals/concerts to which SPI has committed;
- Assist other staff with basic operations (front desk, rotating through the space) on a regular enough basis to be able to engage with guests, evaluate the effectiveness of installations/activities and to get a better understanding of user needs.
- Observe other team members to ascertain their strengths and needs and to call on them as appropriate as co-facilitators of activities.
- Identify subject matter experts as needed to advise during the conceptualization of programs (and/or who may be willing to serve as guest presenters);
- Recruit and train general community member volunteers as needed to ensure visitor engagement;
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Any combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job described above. A successful candidate will be creative, collaborative, flexible, and organized.
This position would be appropriate for someone who has previously worked in other informal learning/out-of-school-time environments (children’s museums, science centers, summer camps, after school programs). Or professionals with applicable formal classroom instruction credentials and experience who are able to translate these to a recreational setting which attracts a variety of kids in a wide range of ages.
Candidates must be mobile (independently or with their own assistive technology) inside our community space for extended periods of time; they need when called upon to be able to maneuver in outdoor park settings (on grass, on inclined trails, and near bodies of water). This candidate must be able to organize, lift, and tote supplies, including up and down stairs (there is no elevator access to our basement).
Must have a driver's license and access to their own vehicle.
Schedule:
The team member in this role can expect to regularly work a predetermined number of hours ranging from 20 to 30 hours per week (dependent on applicant needs/abilities and as determined during hiring discussions). This can be a combination of off-site and on-site hours, depending on the nature of the priority assignment, the time of year, and the need for them to engage directly with guests and/or other staff or volunteers.
In acutely busy periods (i.e. the week before the launch of camp registration, the first week of the summer camp season, or in prep for a special event), this staff member may be asked to flex their schedule to take on additional hours; however, they can offset these hours in subsequent weeks by working a reduced schedule.
Job share is negotiable if there are two qualified candidates who can adequately divide duties.
Compensation and benefits:
Depending on the staff member’s agreed-to regular schedule (i.e. a 20 or 30 hour work week), annual pay for this position will range from $20,800 - $31,200 (in equivalent annual gross wages, paid out bi-weekly on an hourly basis for hours documented on timesheets submitted each pay period).
As a benefit, all SPI employees receive pay for 5 paid holidays each year and enjoy some additional (unpaid) holiday time off. Employees receive an annual membership to SPI, which is also applicable to free/reduced admission at other ASTC organizations nationwide. They receive priority enrollment (for their children/grandchildren) in SPI programs requiring pre-registration and an employee discount on these.
Our staff enjoys flexibility, a collegial environment with compassionate managers, the pleasure of engaging with children and families at play together, and the satisfaction of helping to address community needs.
Know before you apply:
SPI staff are expected, per board policy, to be up to date on standard vaccines including against COVID-19. This is in alignment with CDC recommendations and our organizational values, and also because it is a detriment to SPI operations to employ staff who are at increased risk of absence and/or serious illness from preventable, communicable disease. Individuals who choose on principle not to vaccinate against COVID-19 or who are unwilling to mask indoors as a public health measure (during times of known community known risk/spread of infectious illness) should not apply. Those who have opted out of vaccination and/or masking for other reasons approved by our board may apply if prepared to document their reasoning.
How to apply:
Submit your resume and a cover letter to Stephanie Calondis Geiger (our executive director) and Jane Hildebrand (our office manager) by email to Stephanie[at])spi-mountvernon.org AND JaneHSpispot[at]gmail.com. The cover letter should describe what appeals to you about the position and address your applicable work and personal experience.